Rawaan Alkhatib's debut cookbook celebrates the versatility of dates, portraying them as more than just sugary morsels but as a "miracle" and a symbol of life. The cookbook features over 100 recipes showcasing dates' sweetness in various forms. While it includes vibrant photography, Alkhatib's charming illustrations and historical context add depth. Selecting recipes for a dinner party, the author skillfully prepares dishes like an Upside Down Date & Almond Cake and Milk-Braised Lamb Shanks, demonstrating the creativity and flavor integral to her culinary vision.
A single-subject cookbook runs the risk of being gimmicky, constrained in its usefulness or limited in its thrills. But Hot Date! stands out.
These aren't just dried morsels of sugar and nutrients; they're a "miracle," "a symbol of generosity and abundance," "joy and sustenance," cultivated from the tree of life.
Alkhatib is an overachiever: a talented writer and poet; a student of history who situates the fruit's historical importance in the Middle East and across cultures.
I placed dates in concentric circles, then poured over a simple vanilla cake batter fancied up with almond paste. The cake cooled on my windowsill.
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